by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 25, 2019 | Comm Center News
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Since the beginning of 2019, Assemblymember Kansen Chu (D-San Jose) has been working with the National Alliance on Mental Illness California (NAMI-CA) to push for better training on mental health identification for 911 dispatchers through AB 680. The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) has decided to voluntarily implement the policy changes sought by AB 680 even though the legislation did not become enacted as law.
“This is a clear victory for good policy. I am very pleased that POST is moving forward with training as prescribed in my bill, AB 680, even though the legislation did not pass this year,” said Assemblymember Chu. “Mental health support for those in need is a priority for me, and I’m glad it’s also important to POST. Dispatchers are usually the first point of contact in a crisis, and this training will help them alert responding officers to special circumstances, such as mental health crises. I want individuals with mental health struggles to get the help they need instead of being locked up.”
AB 680 was sponsored by NAMI-CA, and the POST Commission shared that they will continue working with NAMI-CA to integrate mental health training as they update the curriculum for dispatchers. When implemented, California will be the first state in the country to provide this level of training to all 911 dispatchers as part of their basic training course curriculum.
“We are happy that POST sees the value in this training and look forward to our continued work with the agency,” said Jessica Cruz, CEO of NAMI-CA. “Families and individuals across California deserve the best supports when faced with a mental health crisis. This is a step in the right direction, and we commend POST for their leadership.”
AB 680 sought to provide emergency dispatchers with mental health awareness and identification training as part of their basic training course. As the first link to the public, 911 dispatchers play a crucial role in identifying emergencies that might involve people with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, or substance use disorders. Dispatchers and police can work together with mental health response teams, when available, to connect people with mental illness to appropriate care. The goal is to reduce unnecessary use of force and incarceration for people who need help. Peace officers already take similar training.
Assemblymember Chu’s bill sought to include 911 dispatchers in that training. Assemblymember Kansen Chu is proud to represent the 25th Assembly District, comprised of the cities of Fremont, Milpitas, Newark, Santa Clara, and San Jose.
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 25, 2019 | Comm Center News
Most of Santa Clara County, save for a few cities, can now text 911 in an emergency if they are unable to call.
“I am ever mindful that we live in a valley with a lot of people that need other ways of communicating with us besides just being able to dial 911 and speak with someone,” Supervisor Cindy Chavez told reporters during a news conference in San Jose on Wednesday. “911 being able to text us is an opportunity to help more people and save more lives.”….
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 25, 2019 | Comm Center News
ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) – CBS6 continues to investigate a staffing shortage among dispatchers answering your emergency calls in Albany.
Albany Police Officers Union President Gregory McGee is calling the vacancies a public safety risk.
This week, he sent a letter to Mayor Kathy Sheehan saying ….
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 25, 2019 | Comm Center News
A former Custer County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher will spend 10 days
in jail, but no time in prison, after pleading guilty to grand theft.
Kelly Lynn Knight, 31, of Stanley, was granted a withheld judgment in the Custer County District Court case in Sept. 16 proceedings. She was placed on probation for three years and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. Knight was ordered to enroll in counseling for budgeting and enroll in a vocational or work training program. In addition, her sentence includes 180 days of discretionary jail time. She was fined….
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 25, 2019 | Comm Center News
PROVIDENCE — A former dispatcher for the Central Falls Police
Department is alleging rampant sexual harassment and mistreatment by
officers in a lawsuit in federal court.
In the suit filed Tuesday
in U.S. District Court, Kelly Baxter tells of being subjected to crude
sexual commentary, unwelcome overtures, hostile work conditions and
retaliation in response to complaints.
Baxter named as defendants
Mayor James Diossa, Finance Director Cynthia DeJesus, Police Chief
Daniel J. Barzykowski, Detective Omar Ospina and Sgt. Joseph D. Tougas
in their official and individual capacities. Her allegations include sex
discrimination and harassment; civil rights violations; intentional
infliction of emotional distress; and violations of fair employment
practices.
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 25, 2019 | Comm Center News
PETERSBURG, Va. — Sharron Edmonds-Leverette was known for starting her yearly Christmas Countdown on January 1.
The 17-year veteran of the Petersburg Police Telecommunication Center
was passionate about the holidays and any reason for celebration.
Described as a firecracker in the office who lived to party plan and
organize, Leverette would never let her coworkers forget a holiday.
So after she passed away recently, her colleagues….
